Abusive Head Trauma & Infant/Family Safety

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1. Infant/Family Safety Topics:

Infant/Family Safety Topics: A variety of resources are listed here to help you learn more about infant and family safety. The list includes: 911, car seats, poison control, family safety check and adult and child abuse.

2. Abusive Head Trauma/​Shaken Baby Syndrome:

NEVER SHAKE A BABY!

Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), also known as Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a form of physical child abuse to a baby or young child. AHT is 100 percent preventable. AHT can be caused by shaking alone or from an injury that results in a whiplash motion that may cause bleeding inside the brain or eyes. Even a few seconds of violent shaking can cause serious injuries.

Babies are more susceptible to injury because:

Their heads are bigger and heavier compared to the rest of their body;

They have weak neck muscles;

Their brains are delicate and still developing;

The baby is much smaller and weaker than the person shaking them

According to the National Center, AHT is the leading cause of Child Abuse Death within the United States. Out of the nearly 1,300 reported cases per year, 25 percent end in death. Eighty percent of the survivors will have lifelong disabilities. Babies (newborns to four months) are at greatest risk of injury from shaking because inconsolable crying is a primary trigger for shaking a baby.

As the baby is shaken, the brain moves within the skull, hurting or destroying brain tissue. Shaking also can tear blood vessels around the brain. These tears increase the pressure inside the head, causing more injury to the brain.
Any of these injuries can lead to severe disability or death. Seek medical attention right away if you suspect any head injury.

3. Soothing Infant Crying:

Babies cry. Crying is a baby's way of communicating and is a part of the normal developmental behavior of infants. Sometimes babies just cry, and there is nothing you can do about it. It's not your fault. Inconsolable crying is a primary trigger for shaking a baby.

Don't be caught off guard. Shaking, throwing, hitting, or hurting a baby is NEVER an appropriate response. Learn more on how to comfort your crying baby and the resources available if you need help.

The Law requires that video and reading materials be approved by the Department of Health and Human Services. Contact DHHS at
Jackie.moline@nebraska.gov for review any material not provided by Department of Health and Human Services and for a list of approved materials.